The hiring epidemic (First of two parts)
A pervasive epidemic has long infiltrated our government institutions, with "lagay" (bribe or grease money) and "palakasan" (favoritism, including nepotism, its subset) serving as the virulent pathogens. These unwelcome elements have transformed into a widespread contagion, deeply entrenched in public sector hiring practices, far outstaying their welcome. Sadly and deeply rooted in our culture, this open secret outbreak has allowed unqualified individuals to breeze through the hiring process, causing inefficiency and distrust for many decades.
Take these hypothetical yet appalling and highly likely contagiously recurring scenarios:
John, a bright-eyed graduate at the top of his class, applies for a government job. Despite his qualifications, the position is snagged by someone whose uncle plays mahjong with the hiring manager. Then there is Pedro, whose cousin works in city hall. His application for a permit zips through the bureaucracy like a hot knife through butter, thanks to the "palakasan" system. Meanwhile, others queue under the tropical sun, their papers moving at a snail's pace.
Consider Maria, who dreams of becoming a public school teacher. She got the credentials but not the cash to 'grease the palms' of those in charge. She watches as her less-qualified counterpart, who slipped an envelope across the table, is welcomed aboard. That is "lagay" at work, quiet and corrosive. Worse, in her next application, she was again bypassed by three under-qualified teacher applicants, a relative of the district supervisor, a campaign manager with the congressman's "backing," and the wife of the cousin of the hiring committee member. These are "palakasan" at work," subtler, yet more corrosive if you think about the learners that the incompetence of these new hires will shortchange.
Meanwhile, a promotion is up for grabs in a government agency. The most eligible candidate is bypassed for someone whose family throws lavish night outs and karaoke parties attended by the department head. The grapevine whispers of nepotism, and morale takes a hit.
Meanwhile, the lives of the public and workers are put in danger when this politician's proxy contractor, Primo, bribes "backer"-hired government inspectors to ignore safety infractions in the construction project of the same politician. This type of convoluted corruption, as a product of hiring illegitimate technicians due to "palakasan," undermines confidence in the regulatory bodies entrusted with upholding standards. The damage done is the same in magnitude as that of Jane, an insider candidate for a job in the municipal hall, who fabricates information on her CV and her eligibility, as advised by the "kumares" in the office, circumventing the process and unfairly excluding more truthful applicants, overstating, even lying, about her connections and qualifications.
Take the case of a mayor appointing his cousin as a department head despite needing more qualifications, leaving competent candidates sidelined. Bribes grease the wheels of recruitment, with positions often going to the highest bidder rather than the most qualified. A candidate with political connections secures a high-ranking position in a government agency despite needing more skills and experience. This example of "palakasan" highlights how personal relationships often precede meritocracy in public sector appointments.
More worthy students are denied scholarship opportunities when this government official, Ferdinand, exploits his power to get his child a slot over the others. This is a simple but devastating move done to shortchange poor but deserving (probably) first-generation learners. How about this: By abusing his position of power and fostering a climate of harassment and abuse, appointed Human Resource head Remy asks job applicants for money and sexual favors in exchange for employment guarantees. This criminal act is worthy of a place in Dante's Inferno.
In a provincial village, a bridge project is underway. The contract mysteriously goes to a company with